501.BB Palestine/5–2247
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
Dear Austin: I have read with interest your letter of May 22, 1947 in which you refer to the recent Special Session of the General Assembly and touch upon the vexatious problem of Palestine.
[Page 1104]In reviewing the proceedings of the Special Session, I share your general impression of encouragement. I am convinced that the success of the Session from the point of view of our Government was due in large part to your courageous and effective leadership.
The suggestions contained in your letter with regard to the kind of approach which the Department might make towards the Palestine problem are extremely helpful and are being carefully studied.
During the latter part of May, we were considering the advisability of making a public statement at an early date clarifying the substantive policies of the United States with regard to Palestine. At that time there was a possibility that the Special Committee, before departing for Palestine, might hold hearings in the United State in order to obtain the views of individuals and of various organizations maintaining headquarters in this country. It was our thought that it would be unfortunate for the United States Government to remain silent while certain American citizens or groups were making statements which might be considered as representative of the views of the Government.
It is now our understanding that the Special Committee has decided not to hold any hearings in the United States before making its investigations in Palestine and that the members of this Committee are either already en route to Palestine or are preparing to leave within the next few days.
We are inclined to believe, therefore, that it might be preferable not to make any public statement of our views with regard to the future government of Palestine in the immediate future unless unexpected developments should take place. We should of course continue to concentrate upon the task of determining the kind of government for Palestine which in our opinion would be in closest accord with the principles enunciated by us during the war and during the postwar period, including those incorporated in the Charter of the United Nations.
Although this Government has long cherished the hope that a solution of the Palestine problem might be found, an agreed settlement no longer appears possible. We are convinced that there is no solution of the Palestine problem which will not meet with strong opposition from one or several quarters. It is also possible that at least a certain degree of force may be required in implementing any solution of the Palestine problem. We therefore believe that it would be wise for us to review the whole problem in order to make certain that any kind of a solution is based upon principles which can be defended before the world, both now and in the future.
I hope that you will continue to keep us informed of the views of [Page 1105] the representatives of various countries to the United Nations with regard to Palestine and that you will also communicate to us any further ideas on the subject as may occur to you. It is hoped that in the not distant future the Department’s studies will have progressed sufficiently far to enable us to exchange views with you on the subject of the future of Palestine. Even though we may not make any public announcement in the near future, it is important that we decide at the earliest possible moment what our basic attitude should be in regard to this serious problem.
Faithfully yours,